It is critical to maintain and service your home oxygen concentrator. Safeguard your health and safety by proper maintenance, as a dirty or badly kept concentrator can house bacteria and other pathogens, potentially resulting in illnesses.
As a home oxygen rental company we recommend you regularly check that your concentrator it is functioning properly and that the appropriate amount of oxygen is being delivered. A concentrator that is not properly maintained may not give enough oxygen, which can cause major health concerns.
Regular maintenance can assist to prevent problems and keep your concentrator functioning properly for a longer period of time. Breakdowns are inconvenient and expensive, so do everything possible to avoid them.
Aside from the above benefits, frequent maintenance and service can help you save money on energy bills and keep your concentrator functioning properly. View our comprehensive home oxygen concentrator care guide to ensure no breakdowns.
Advantages of Proper Care and Maintenance
It is critical to properly maintain and service your home oxygen concentrator for your health, safety, and wallet.
Some of the specific advantages of maintaining and repairing your home oxygen concentrator are:
- Regular maintenance ensures that your concentrator is supplying the appropriate amount of oxygen, which is critical for your health.
- Regular maintenance helps to prevent problems from occurring, reducing the length of time your concentrator is out of commission.
- A well-maintained concentrator will run more efficiently, saving you money on your energy expenses. A well-maintained concentrator can endure for many years, saving you money in the long term.
- A clean and well-maintained concentrator reduces the danger of infection.
How to Properly Maintain Your Home Oxygen Concentrator
If you follow these guidelines, you will be able to keep your home oxygen concentrator in good operating condition and guarantee that you will always have access to a dependable source of oxygen whenever you require it:
Keep Your Oxygen Concentrator Clean
It is essential to clean your oxygen concentrator on a regular basis in order to get rid of dust and other debris that can accumulate and harm its effectiveness.
Before beginning the cleaning process, ensure that the concentrator is unplugged from the power source and utilising a moist cloth, thoroughly clean the outside of the concentrator.
When cleaning the tube and nasal cannula, a gentle detergent should be used.
Once a week, clean the filter that is in the air intake. Take off the filter, and then wash it in some warm water with a little bit of detergent. Before reinstalling, make sure to give it a good washing and then let it air dry entirely.
If you use a humidifier, make sure to clean it each time you fill it with water.
Change the Filters Regularly
In order to guarantee that your home oxygen concentrator is operating at peak efficiency, its filters will need to be swapped on a regular basis. The instructions necessary to change the filters will be provided to you in detail by the company that manufactured your concentrator.
The following are some general pointers:
- Every two to three months, or more frequently if you live in an environment with a lot of dust, you should replace the air intake filter.
- Every month, or more frequently if you use your humidifier frequently, you should replace the filter in the humidifier.
- If you use a nasal cannula, you should replace it every two weeks; however, you should do so more frequently if it gets damaged or dirty.
Regularly Monitor Its Functionality and Seek Help for Minor Problems
Before getting in touch with your healthcare practitioner or the company who supplied your oxygen concentrator, there are a few things you may look into if you are having issues with your home oxygen concentrator:
- Check to be that the concentrator is both plugged in and switched on before beginning your treatment.
- Examine the tubing and nasal cannula to ensure there are no leaks.
- Check to see that the filter that captures incoming air is clean.
- If you use a humidifier, you should check the amount of water that is contained within it.
- Turn off the concentrator immediately and get in touch with your healthcare practitioner or the company that supplied the equipment if it is producing strange noises or vibrating excessively.
How to Utilise Your Oxygen Concentrator Securely and Efficiently
- Carefully read and abide by the directions provided by the manufacturer.
- Always follow the instructions provided by your healthcare professional when using your concentrator.
- Be on the lookout for the warning signs and symptoms of low oxygen levels, such as shortness of breath, light-headedness, and a high heart rate.
- If you are having any issues with your concentrator, you should get in touch with your healthcare provider or the company that supplied your equipment as soon as possible.
Handle It with Care
There are a few things that, in addition to cleaning and replacing filters, you can do to assist with the maintenance of your home oxygen concentrator.
It is important to keep the concentrator out of the direct sunshine and away from any sources of heat. Put the concentrator in an area with plenty of fresh air to circulate.
Take care when moving the concentrator and try not to bump into it. Do not light up a cigarette anywhere near the concentrator.
Maintain your concentrator by having it serviced on a regular basis by a skilled technician in accordance with the guidelines provided by the original manufacturer.
